This is one game Jigsaw and Triple H will not want to play.
The world’s deadliest deathtrap and most sadistic sledgehammer smash will not win “Endgame.” Despite Marvel players’ skill level being otherworldly, like humanity’s World Series, achieving victory is beyond any single individual’s capabilities. Realizing that fact, the remnants of the bent-but-unbroken factions of Earth’s protectors salvage the mightiest survivors of Thanos (James Brolin) “balancing” the planet via vanishing half the population in “Infinity War.”
The scattered superhero squadrons learn of Thanos’ whereabouts after the snap heard around the universe commenced. Time has not been kind to the Mad Titan, as he nearly died destroying the Infinity Stones three weeks after snapping.
After receiving this revelation, the heroes shift from hide-and-seek to embarking on the grandest Easter egg hunt, spanning far beyond Grandma Judy’s house. More excitingly, heroes voyage into alternate realities only reached through unprecedented time travel to five years ago. Similarly, rather than getting the coveted first selection of Grandma Judy’s freshly baked cookies, the altruistic wielder of the Infinity Gauntlet (a glove with all six stones attached) can undo the decimated future. Conversely, villains seek to become emperor of the celestial catacomb the present universe became. Endless hurdles make the one-in-14,000,605 odds of good prevailing seemingly insurmountable.
An equally challenging feat is properly utilizing the incredibly diverse ensemble of established characters that act as separate product lines equipped with limitless fan loyalty. Always delivering under pressure that makes bypasses seem mundane, directors Anthony and Joseph Russo execute with surgical precision. Though Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thanos and Captain America (Chris Evans) lead the way, the Russos disperses screen time evenly enough to satiate the appetite of diverse demographics. The cast possesses good chemistry and actors are so comfortable in their respective roles that disbelief stays suspended. Downey Jr.’s versatile performance anchors the extravaganza.
Another checkpoint on the Russos’ to-do list is preventing eye aversion during a three-hour movie. This task is unenviable, considering society’s incurable phone addiction renders the average modern attention span shorter than a preschooler’s. “Endgame” perseveres, expertly mixing varied humor with seriousness that generates a searing emotional tone. The dichotomy affords casual viewers only watching to stay afloat in social circles the chance to enjoy themselves. Additionally, longtime supporters with a plot predilection receive a healthy return on their investment. Either way, the film fails to feel like three hours and the big screen handily defeats all small screens in a war of aesthetic attrition.
A key reason for victory is the breathtaking visuals spearheading this unique experience. “Endgame” easily extends Marvel’s reign as Hollywood Heavyweight Blockbuster Champion, bombarding contenders with a remorseless aesthetic assault. Combinations range from serene woodland scenery that invokes bygone memories of family camping trips to stunning portal travel that makes Samurai Jack’s acclaimed animations of the same concept look as dated as the feudal era. Appealing aesthetics happily marry Alan Silvestri’s sensible score. Together, audio and visuals strengthen the story’s audience connection.
Even the film’s imperfections appear disputable. The biggest emotional haymaker is extremely telegraphed. Regardless, the heart punch connects flush, forcing tears to steadily flow out of the amazed eyes of engrossed adults and children alike. Furthermore, some plot holes exist, but not enough to significantly blemish the beauty. Besides, “Endgame” never masquerades as a five-star cinematic cuisine attraction. Wisely, the film fully embraces its status as a popcorn flick instead.
Ultimately, “Endgame” serves a highly palatable cinematic cocktail that leaves executives smiling at a financially fruitful finish that will likely erode revenue records faster than a finger snap. Simultaneously, legions of fans feel super regarding the experience. The film holds a current rating of over 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
After the cosmic dust settles, Marvel raises an Infinity Gauntlet-equipped fist in victory.
Rating: 4.5/5
